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Being a good actor is much more than having the face of a Greek god, an athletic body, and an amazing fashion sense (though having these can’t hurt!). What’s also important for an actor is their range, how they’re able to adapt to new roles and embody wildly different characters.

The folks over on Twitter have been busy praising their favorite actors who definitely “understood the assignment” and wowed their fans in a multitude of different roles. From Leonardo DiCaprio (hi, Leo, we love you!) to my personal favorite Mandalorian, Pedro Pascal, these stars are getting the adoration and attention they deserve. Bored Panda has collected some of the most spot-on tweets, so scroll down to see who Twitter loves best, upvote the tweets that you agree with, and let us know which actor has totally “understood the assignment” better than everyone else in your personal opinion.

I had a chat with celebrity and pop-culture expert Mike Sington, who has worked together with countless actors, about what makes people adore a star (hint: it might not be their acting skills!) and the relationship between experience and adaptability on-screen is. Have a peek down below for Bored Panda's interview with Mike.

#3

Gary Oldman

Gary Oldman

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James016
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I read somewhere years ago that the makers of the Lost In Space film cast him as Dr Smith as he was the only person creepy enough for the role.

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Hollywood's Ultimate Insider, Mike from LA, told Bored Panda that when it comes to being a beloved actor, a real icon of the silver screen, acting skills alone won't cut it. "Likeability is more important than acting skills. You become a beloved actor if you, as an audience member, wants to hang out with you. No matter how good an actor’s skills are, if they seem like a miserable person, they will never be beloved," the expert said. So it's not just their ususal repertoire of acting skills that stars have to hone; it's their talent with people that counts a whole lot (maybe even more), too.

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Having worked with so many actors during the length and breadth of his career, Mike has gotten to know them very well. One thing that he's learned is that the ability to act well, in his opinion, is something you're born with. "I firmly believe acting is an innate talent. Actors can of course increase their range with more experience, but some of the finest actors can be completely new on the scene, and often have never even taken any classes," he said.

As for Mike's favorite actor, he couldn't pick just one. "I have two favorite actors of all time: Meryl Streep and Sidney Poitier. I find both their bodies of work breathtaking."

#7

Tim Curry

Tim Curry

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Michael Sanders
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

White: He threatened to kill me in public. Scarlet: Why would he want to kill you in public? Wadsworth: I think she means he threatened in public to kill her 🙄. Gets me every time

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Moo Moo Futch
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Tim Curry as Doctor Frank made me realise how absolutely attractive men could be dressed like that.

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Raine Soo
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Tim Curry freaked me out in "It". Then along came Bill Skarsgard.

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Eva Bryson
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He's the best Satan I've ever watched! His voice was absolutely magnetic!

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Crochet lady
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I was in high school I met him after a theater production of Amadeus in Washington DC and he was as lovely as you would expect. My shrieking friends and I waited at the stage door until he and Jane Seymour (quite pregnant!) came out to wait for a cab. He talked to each of us, got us to calm down, we told him we saw Rocky Horror every weekend for a year and he realized how thrilled we were. He gave us each a peck on the cheek before he left. Ms. Seymour was quite stunning, her hair went to her waist, and she seemed very tired (and amused by us) as one would expect after a long, physical show. I still have his autograph 40 years later.

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Sean Harrison
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had read that Tim Curry was the original choice to play the Joker in the Batman Animated Series and he did the lines for the first episode, but they felt he was too terrifying for a show that was aimed for kids, so the role went to Mark Hamill. I'd love to see that first episode with Tim Curry as the Joker.

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Sang Fe
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Tim Curry has it all and I have been a fan since I was a schoolgirl. Almost 63 now. Love him

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Ann Coffman
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'll bet you saw Rocky Horror Picture Show many times back in high school. I know I did! 💕

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Ivana
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One of my all time favorites, a God among men for sure.

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Sam Cook
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Home Alone 2: Lost in New York was the first film I saw him in, and while I love almost every other role of his, that one is still my favorite.

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Talie Bocci
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2 years ago

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While some would argue that Keanu Reeves (my fave actor) plays pretty much just himself in every single movie, I’d say that he’s my top pick for somebody who 100% understood the assignment. I love his acting and I secretly hope that so do you, dear Pandas. What did you think of Keanu’s performance in the latest John Wick installment and the new SpongeBob SquarePants movie?

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During an earlier interview, I spoke with Hollywood’s Ultimate Insider, Mike, about casting and what additional advice he’d give actors. Mike shared his opinion that while raw acting talent is important, so is the “ability to bring the character to life, fulfilling the vision of the director and writer.”

#13

Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L. Jackson

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Hello it Smee
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One of my favorite actors. He is so badass that when he signed on for Star Wars he asked to pick his own lightsaber color of Purple.

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There’s also the indescribable ‘it factor,’ making the character jump off the screen, that casting directors are always on the lookout for. However, when directors look for whom to cast, they also have to take into account how each new addition will fit in with the entire crew.

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“Also taken into consideration are experience and chemistry with other actors auditioning for the project. An actor needs to have an overall pleasant personality too, and seem like they would be easy to work with on the set,” Mike shared. “No matter how good they are, no one wants to hire a ‘difficult’ actor!"

#21

Matthew Mcconaughey

Matthew Mcconaughey

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When it comes to established names, getting a role in a movie is fairly easy. Experience counts for a lot in Hollywood. However, newbies have it pretty tough and often don’t have the luxury of choice: they stick with what they’re given.

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"Inexperienced actors have very little say or flexibility in negotiating a different role than the one they are being considered for. There are so many actors being considered for any one particular role, if an actor wants to work, it’s best if they are new and don’t have the clout, to just go with what they’re offered gratefully,” Mike said.

The celebrity expert said that if a fresh new actor wants to try a different role than the one they’re offered, they should start off by voicing their concerns to their agent. That way, they’ll be represented while also avoiding any slip-ups when talking directly with the casting director.

"If an inexperienced actor feels strongly they’d be more suitable for another role, that’s a conversation to have with your agent, who can then possibly approach the casting director depending upon their relationship."

#25

Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman

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#26

Sandra Bullock

Sandra Bullock

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However, no matter how popular you might be, an actor is never rid of that horrible feeling of being rejected… at least sometimes. “An actor has to constantly face rejection, but to be successful, you just have to realize that’s part of the process," Mike told Bored Panda, suggesting that actors “shrug it off” and then move on to the next audition.

#28

Will Smith

Will Smith

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"I always tell actors, much of the audition process is out of your control, and you may never even know why you didn’t get the part. Maybe the casting director passed because you remind them of their cousin they can’t stand. Or the director stepped in and said ‘no’ because they want to work with someone they’re familiar with. It may have absolutely nothing to do with the actor’s talent at all."

#31

Margot Robbie

Margot Robbie

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Foxxy (The Original)
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I must admit that the only movie I have seen her in is Suicide Squad but I loved her in Neighbours and have had a lil girl crush on her since lol. From what I have seen (trailers) though she really immersed herself in her movies and plays her characters so well.

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#32

Tom Hardy

Tom Hardy

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JuJu
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He was fantastic in "Legend" and totally saved "Venom" with his acting

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#34

Jim Carrey

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Slinkman
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hmm no, was casted because of the assignment. I love Jim Carry, but just like Jack Black = he always plays similar roles. Not that this is a bad thing, but he is being type casted and fulfills this expectation. Although he showed some different acting skills as count Olaf (laughed my ass off). The Mask, Ace and the Grinch are all typical JC characters to me. Not a bad thing, but not reallly meant for this list if you ask me.

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#37

Kathryn Hahn

Kathryn Hahn

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#42

Jake Gyllenhaal

Jake Gyllenhaal

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#43

Giancarlo Esposito

Giancarlo Esposito

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Nerdlife
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I loathed his character in The Boys. Just says how awesome he is!

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#46

Eddie Murphy

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Foxxy (The Original)
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hmm, not too sure about this one. Whilst I do enjoy a couple of his movies (mainly Shrek), I do find quite a few of his characters quite similar, to the point it is repetitive, boring and annoying (a bit like me hahah)

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#50

Anya Taylor Joy

Anya Taylor Joy

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Aurelia!
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Anya Taylor Joy is one of my FAVORITE actresses since even before Queens Gambit!!!

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